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David Miliband’s campaign for the Labour leadership received a boost on Wednesday as
Alistair Darling threw his weight behind the bid.

The former chancellor hailed Mr Miliband’s “Labour values”, capacity to inspire and ability to unite different strands of the party as he announced which candidate would receive his nomination.

Alistair Darling has backed David Miliband in the race for the Labour Party leadership

“I believe strongly that David Miliband is the right person to lead our party, first in Opposition and then back to power,” Mr Darling wrote in a letter to constituents.

“He will re-engage Labour with the public, particularly those with whom we have lost touch. David has always campaigned and argued positively for the Labour Party and that is the kind of leadership we need.”

Mr Darling, who is serving as shadow chancellor but has announced his intention to step back from frontline politics when a new frontbench team is elected later this year, is set to appear alongside Mr Miliband at a campaign event in London today.

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Aides said the pair would be attacking the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats over their “broken promises” and for failing to protect frontline services.

Declaring his support, Mr Darling highlighted Mr Miliband’s leadership qualities as he said Labour was facing a “crucial moment”.

While describing the field of candidates as “very strong”, the shadow chancellor said Mr Miliband was the “right person” to lead the party.

“He has the right Labour values, with a deep commitment to equality,” Mr Darling wrote.

“He has the ability to inspire the party with a compelling vision for the future, returning to our roots as a social movement for change. He has the maturity and humility to bring together different talents irrespective of whether they supported him in the leadership contest.”